Despite high gasoline costs and increased prices for food and lodging, over 47 million Americans are expected to travel this Independence Day weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman said that estimate reflects the second-busiest July 4th weekend since the year 2000. He said a great many will be on the highways.
“There’s going to be a whole new record of people driving for their vacation this 4th of July so it’s just really across the board just a really good sign for the travel industry,” said Redman.
AAA predicts a 6% increase in driving travel from 2019 for the states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Redman said that national trend is reflected here in the Gulf south as well.
“4.2 million are going to be traveling by car and the total travel volume, flight, trains and cruises, all that stuff will be 4.8 million in our region, said Redman.
Redman said while the number who intend to drive for the holiday is up airline bookings are down considerably. He said air travel estimates haven’t been this low in over 11 years.
“It’s people changing their habits from flying to driving, some of the flight cancellations might be a concern, maybe an uptick in some of the air fees,” said Redman.
Redman said hotel rates are up over 20%, restaurant dining is up over 12%, and airfares have increased about 14%. Nevertheless, he said, people are ready to get out and go after the pandemic.
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